We would like to thank you for your support throughout 2014. It was a year filled with highlights including, but not limited to, the Betko Cold Fruit Storage facility, the Springer Residence and also 143 Oceanview Drive. We welcomed many new clients into the fold and made friends of existing ones. We strengthened our relationship with GEA projects and also built up valuable new relationships with KOMS consulting engineers, Karsten Boerdery and Lourensford Estate. We look forward to many years of excellence ahead. On an in-house basis we continued our fruitful collaborations with Terra+ Landscape Architects and Tamem Richa Architecture and Interiors.

Please note that our studio will be closed from Monday 15 December 2014 – Tuesday 6 January 2015. For those of you involved in on site work, you have our cellphone numbers. We will also be available via email.

We wish you all a pleasant holiday. Wherever you are going please travel safely and may you have a blessed Christmas and festive season!

Alteration to Existing Residence, Oranjezicht, Cape Town by KUBE architecture

It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make and yet, after weeks of sacrificing Sunday afternoons your head is spinning and you are even more confused… House hunting can be draining, and if you make the wrong decision the consequences will follow you around for a long time yet, so we’ve put together a list of things which could help you make the right choice. Continue reading →

Investing in the right piece of land is not always as simple as it would seem. Imagining your dream home is a romantic experience, but there are some very concrete factors which could make the difference between a good and a great investment. Whatever the intention, there’s plenty to know before investing. Continue reading →

This year’s version of the local and international talent showcase is nearly upon us and with Cape Town being the 2014 World Design Capital, it should prove to be something quite special. The main event will run from 26-28 February at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, and these are some of the acts which we believe are worth a closer look.

THE DESIGN INDABA CONFERENCE

1. Scholten & Baijings

Stefan Scholten & Carole Baijings are a Dutch design duo creating passion driven products. Blankets, carpets, bed and table linens, ceramics and glass have all been given a new perspective through innovative materials and color. Continue reading →

The FynBloem Protea Packing Facility, designed by Cape Town based architectural Practice KUBE architecture, received a highly commended award in this year’s ‘AfriSam Sustainable Construction’ category. The project, which acts as the face of the FynBloem brand uses creative initiatives to lessen the environmental impact and increase sustainability, not only during construction but also in the everyday running of the facility. The facility was also awarded the CSR award for Socially Responsible Development! You can read more about what makes this project so successful here.

The construction industry accounts for 10% of global GDP. It is the largest consumer of global resources and raw materials – 50% – and global energy supplies – 48%. It also creates the largest amount of global solid waste – 40% – and is responsible for 50% of greenhouse gas emissions. It is the world’s most wasteful industry and the main contributor to the deterioration of the global environment. Continue reading →

Winners of the 2013 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards have been announced. Totally independent, the UK and International Restaurant & Bar Design Awards receives entries from the UK and world’s top architects, designers and hospitality operators. The award is now in its fifth cycle and has built a reputation for being one of the most prestigious in hospitality. Continue reading →